Michael G. Rossmann (1930–2019), pioneer in macromolecular and virus crystallography: scientist, mentor and friend

Michael Rossmann, a pioneer in macromolecular and virus crystallography, is remembered.

CM01: a facility for cryo-electron microscopy at the European Synchrotron

CM01 is a recently opened cryo-electron microscopy facility located at the European Synchrotron and is used by the ESRF's international community for structural biology.

Structure of a hyperthermostable dimeric archaeal Rubisco from Hyperthermus butylicus

While a decameric structure was previously thought to be essential for high thermal stability in archaeal Rubisco enzymes, a hyperthermophilic Rubisco enzyme that exists as a dimer is described.

Analysis of crystalline and solution states of ligand-free spermidine N-acetyltransferase (SpeG) from Escherichia coli

The structure of ligand-free spermidine N-acetyltransferase (SpeG) from Escherichia coli is described. Structural analysis was performed using X-ray crystallography and was combined with SEC-MALS, SAXS and negative-staining EM for characterization of the solution structure. In solution, SpeG from E. coli exhibits an oligomeric composition that is distinct from that of its homolog from Vibrio cholerae.

Structural insight into a matured humanized monoclonal antibody HuA21 against HER2-overexpressing cancer cells

The crystal structure of the extracellular domain of HER2 is reported in complex with the humanized antibody HuA21-scFv, which has a distinct epitope and was developed by CDR grafting and affinity maturation on the basis of chA21 to reduce potential human anti-mouse immune response and to inhibit HER2-overexpressing cancer cells.

Structural and functional characterization of CMP-N-acetylneuraminate synthetase from Vibrio cholerae

CMP-N-acetylneuraminate synthetase (CMAS) is a key enzyme in the sialic acid incorporation pathway and plays a crucial role in the virulence and survival of several pathogenic bacteria. Here, the structural and functional properties of CMAS from the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae are reported. Upon CDP binding, a partial domain closure is observed that was previously unreported in homologous structures. Kinetic studies reveal that the enzyme shows substrate promiscuity and can activate both Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc.

Crystal structures of the recombinant β-factor XIIa protease with bound Thr-Arg and Pro-Arg substrate mimetics

Coagulation factor XII (FXII) is a key initiator of the contact pathway and of kinin generation. Here, the first peptidomimetic complex structure of the activated protease domain βFXIIa is reported. The crystal structures of βFXIIa provide insight into substrate and inhibitor recognition by serine proteases.

Crystal structures and snapshots along the reaction pathway of human phosphoserine phosphatase

Three high-resolution crystal structures of human phosphoserine phosphatase are described in complexes with phosphoserine, serine, phosphate and homocysteic acid, which are the substrate, products and substrate analogues for this enzyme. A dynamic study of the closing loop and an improved molecular mechanism (based on new key interactions) are also reported.

Crystal structure determination of Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501 endoglucanase Cel5A: the search for a molecular basis for glycosynthesis in GH5_5 enzymes

The crystal structure of the endoglucanase Ps_Cel5A from Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501 revealed aglycone-binding-site adaptations that are possibly linked to its transglycosylation activity.

Phospho­rus Chemistry. The Role of Phospho­rus in Prebiotic Chemistry. By Yufen Zhao, Yan Liu, Xiang Gao and Pengxiang Xu. DeGruyter, 2018. Pp. XVI+166. EUR 119.95 USD 137.99 GBP 109.00, hardcover, ISBN 978-3-11-056237-8.